Multimedia Fireplace Console

ABSTRACT

A multimedia fireplace console comprising a heating unit, a supporting device defining an air chamber, and an entertainment assembly which allows a user to enjoy a movie or music in 3d surround sound in a warm and comfortable environment. The heating unit is housed within the air chamber and is able to generate warm air to be blown towards the user through an air outlet. The entertainment assembly is further comprised of a sound system that is supported at a position that faces the user by the supporting device, which allows the sounds system to be heard at an optimal distance from the user. The support device is allows a displayed device such as a television to be support on a top surface and allows the television to be viewed at an optimal height.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to any reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to furniture, and more particularly to a fireplace having an entertaining assembly, wherein a user only has to plug a single cable from a player to the entertaining assembly to enjoy movies or music in a warm and comfortable atmosphere in a convenient location.

2. Description of Related Arts

A 3D surround sound system is a common home appliance. In general, when someone wants to play a video or audio with a 3D surround sound effect, they have to electrically connect the player to the 3D surround sound system to transmit the electrical signal from the player to the 3D surround sound system to achieve a good audio-visual quality. With the development of technology, sound systems have become increasingly more complex to install as well as operate. For a user to receive the intended sound from the system, they need to correctly connect the complex cables and wires from the sound system, a multitude of speakers, the player, and even possibly a digital system such as a cable box, a video game system, or even a streaming video player. Only then can the user achieve the desired result of a three-dimensional surround sound.

It can be difficult for many people to correctly connect the cables and wires of the sound system. It is no wonder why many businesses advertise for a technician to come into your home to install an entertainment system upon purchase. In addition, for a the placement of the plurality of speakers associated with a 3D surround sound system can greatly influence the sound effect produced by the 3D surround sound system. If the 3D surround sound system is misplaced, the user will experience poor quality adding to the frustration and an eventual need to reinstall the plurality of speakers of the 3D surround sound system. Current furniture is generally lacks the corresponding structural design which can help the user to correctly position the speakers from the 3D surround sound system.

In addition to enjoying the crisp sound of a 3D surround sound system while watching a movie or listening to music, atmosphere comfortable environment can further increase the enjoyment and sense of fulfillment for the user. For instance, the enjoyment sitting with the family or enjoying a glass of red wine reminiscing about the past, while listening relaxing or classic songs in a warm and comfortable atmosphere can bring someone to a level of enjoyment and relaxation far beyond just listening to music. This is especially true in the winter.

This above sense of comfort and warmth can be achieved if a user has a fireplace. Yet many people who have fireplaces are reluctant to use them because of the associated pollution and preparation involved. Burning logs not only can produce pollutants that are harmful to the environment, but the burning logs produce ash and soot along with heat that can adversely affect any electronics in a close proximity to the fireplace. On the other hand, not everyone has a fireplace in their living environment but that should not mean that they cannot be able to enjoy the same comforts of having one. Portable electric heaters exist to bridge this gap. The mobility of a portable electric heater to be able to be brought to any room the user would like to enjoy this warmth and entertainment experience is an advantage over a traditional fireplace. Despite their mobility, portable heaters don't solve the problem of certain size constraints for some rooms. This can create space issues when trying to house an entertainment system and a heater within a small room.

Many products on the market seek to solve one of the aforementioned problems, but never truly seek to solve all. Despite the development in technology in sound systems, manufacturers are more inclined to focus on increasingly more powerful sound systems with a focus on sound quality and sound tone, rather than instilling an enhancement in the emotional quality music can evoke. A greater enjoyment of music can be instilled when feelings and moods are realized rather than pure sounds. In contrast, many fireplace manufacturers focus on the heating function of these devices and habitually ignore how warmth in combination with triggered memories can instill an enjoyment that is greater than the sum of its parts.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The invention is advantageous in that it provides a multimedia fireplace console, wherein the multimedia fireplace console is able to provide a suitable position for a user to enjoy movies or music in a warm and comfortable atmosphere.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a multimedia fireplace console, wherein the multimedia fireplace console has a general circuit board such that the user only has to connect one cable from a player to the multimedia fireplace console to enjoy movies or music.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a multimedia fireplace console, wherein the multimedia fireplace console comprises a heating unit, an entertaining assembly, and a supporting device defining a air chamber, wherein the heating unit is detachably provided within the air chamber such that when the heating unit is removed from the multimedia fireplace console, the multimedia fireplace console can be used as a storage and display area for the user.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a multimedia fireplace console, wherein the multimedia fireplace console comprises a fireproofing layer provided between the supporting device and the heating assembly to prevent the entertainment assembly and the supporting device catching fire and inhibit the transmission of heat from the heating unit.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a multimedia fireplace console, wherein the multimedia fireplace console comprises a heat-proofing layer provided between the supporting device and the heating assembly to prevent the entertainment assembly and the supporting device being overheated.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a multimedia fireplace console, wherein the multimedia fireplace console comprises a surround sound system having at least one speaker, wherein the speakers define a suitable position in front of the multimedia fireplace console for a user to enjoy the surround sound effects produced by the multimedia fireplace console.

Additional advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows, and may be realized by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particular point out in the appended claims.

According to the present invention, the foregoing and other objects and advantages are attained by an entertaining fireplace comprising:

a heating unit;

a supporting device defining an air chamber, wherein the heating unit is adapted to be provided within the air chamber; and

an entertainment assembly, wherein the entertaining assembly is supported at a position by the supporting device, wherein the entertaining assembly comprises a sound system facing towards the front of the entertaining fireplace and defines a suitable position in front of the entertaining fireplace for a user,

wherein the supporting device has at least one air outlet communicated with the air chamber such that the heated air inside the air chamber is able to flow out of the air chamber through the air outlet.

Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the multimedia fireplace console according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the multimedia fireplace console according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the multimedia fireplace console according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the multimedia fireplace console according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the multimedia fireplace console according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrates the structural configuration of the multimedia fireplace console.

FIG. 6 illustrates the entertainment assembly of the multimedia fireplace console according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a heating unit illustrates of the multimedia fireplace console according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternate mode of operation for the multimedia fireplace console according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following description is disclosed to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. Preferred embodiments are provided in the following description only as examples and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The general principles defined in the following description would be applied to other embodiments, alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 8 of the drawings of the present invention, a multimedia fireplace console according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the multimedia fireplace console comprises a heating unit 10, a supporting device 20 defining an air chamber 200 and at least one air outlet 201 communicated with the air chamber 200, wherein the heating unit 10 is provided within the air chamber 20, and the entertainment assembly 30 is supported at a position by the supporting device 20.

The heating unit 10 comprises an electrical heating element 11 for heating air in the air chamber 200 to create heated air, a fan 12 for blowing this heated air away from the electronics housed within the entertainment assembly, and a remote control 13 to activate, deactivate, or control the settings of the heating unit 10 from a distance of no less than 40 feet. Fan 12 is adapted for blowing the heated air out of the air chamber 200 through the air outlet 201. Remote control 13 communicates with the electrical heating element 11 through transmission of a signal which can be infrared, cellular, radio frequency (RF), Bluetooth, or any method of wireless signal transmission. Upon receiving the transmitted signal from the remote control 13, the electrical heating element 11 is able to modify its settings, activate, or deactivate upon the desires of the user.

The supporting device 20 comprises a top panel 21, two side panels 22, and a base 23, wherein the top panel 21 has a top side 211 and a bottom side 212, and the side panels 22 are provided on the bottom side 212 of the top panel 21 to support the top panel 21 at a position. It is worth mentioning that this top side 211 is able to support a displayed element 90 such as a television 91 at a optimum height for the viewer to enhance the overall viewing experience. This displayed element is not meant to limit the functionality of the furniture arrangement and can support a variety of such elements such as aquariums, sports or collectable memorabilia, or books. Preferably, the supporting device 20 further has an air inlet 202 communicated with the air chamber 200 such that when the fan 12 blows the heated air out of the air chamber 200, the air outside of the air chamber 200 can flow into the air chamber 200. This air chamber 200 is a predetermined height and width and is able to communicate with the outside air of the environment through the exposed front face and exposed back face of the supporting device 20. It is worth mentioning that the heating unit 10 is housed within the rear portion of the air chamber 200. Preferably, each of the side panels 22 of the supporting device 20 has an inner side 221. In this present embodiment of the present invention an additional plurality of cavities 23 are disposed within the supporting device 20 that are exposed via the front face of the supporting device 20. In this present embodiment, the cavities 23 are embodied as a lateral cavity 231 disposed above the air chamber 200 with an exposed front and back area. This lateral cavity 231 is able to support a plurality of multimedia consoles such as a cable television receiver, digital disk player, video game console, or a surround sound system controller. Externally, the furniture arrangement is of a predetermined height so that when the television is viewed, it is at a proper visual level for the viewer to create an optimal viewing experience.

Additional on the support device 20 are a left and right swing out compartment 24 and 25 respectively. These swing-out compartments are rotatably connected to each of the left and right sides of the support device 20 by a door hinge 241 and 251 on corresponding side panels of the support device 20 and the swing out compartments 24 and 25 respectively, which allow for a 90 degree range of movement. In other words, the support device is connected to a swing out compartment via a door hinge which will allow the swing out compartment to open up to 90 degree with respect to its longitudinal axis. These swing-out compartments 24 and 25 give the user an easy way of storing digital disks such as DVDs, Blu-ray disks, or CDs. When the user swings out the compartment it exposes a storage cavity 242 and 252 respectively, for the disks and also gives you more area behind to store accessories for garners, like remote controls and any other gaming accessories.

The entertainment assembly 30 comprises a sound system 31, wherein the sound system 31 comprises a sound body 311 and at least one speaker 312 electrically connected to the sound body 311. Preferably, the sound system 31 comprises two speakers 312. These speakers are housed and integrated into the support device 20 so that the user does not have to worry about setting up the equipment and can just plug a displayed element such as a television into the multimedia fireplace console, and in term plug the multimedia fire place console into a power source to enjoy a 3D surround sound experience while enjoying the warmth and beauty of a fireplace.

It is worth mentioning that when the sound system 31 comprises two or more speakers 312, each of the speakers 312 faces towards the front of the multimedia fireplace console and defines a suitable position in front of the multimedia fireplace console, wherein the user is able to receive the best sound effects produced by the sound system 31. In other words, the speakers 312 of the sound system 31 are provided towards the front of the entertaining fireplace to define a suitable position in front of the entertaining fireplace for the user to enjoy optimal sound from the sound system.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the Multimedia Fireplace Console in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this present perspective of the multimedia fireplace console the plurality of AC plugs 40 is illustrated, as well the input board 41 associated with the speaker 312 on the left and right sides of the sound system 31 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The input board 41 is where plugs related to the television 91 and the sound system 31 are located such as the auxiliary, coaxial, optical, HDMI, and the television left and right cables. Also from this back perspective a back cover 203 that encloses the air chamber 200 of the support device 20 via the rear face can be seen. This back cover 203 provides an aesthetic detail for the multimedia fireplace console so that when viewed from the front, the user is not able to see completely through the support device 20. The lateral cavity 231 has back cover 232 that functions in a similar manner, but contains an aperture 2321 so that the wires that plug to the power source and wires associated with the audio of the plurality of multimedia consoles such as a cable television receiver, digital disk player, video game console, or a surround sound system controller are able to reach the plurality of AC plugs 40 and the input board 41 respectively. The input board 41 and the AC plugs 40 are recessed at a predetermined distance so that the support device 20 is able to be moved a short distal length from a wall to preserve space even in small rooms as well as create a “built-in” look. Back cover 203 is attached to the back of the support device by a spring-released hardware 2031 and bullet-catch 2032 on the top of each of the back cover 203. This spring-released hardware 2031 and bullet catch 2032 allow the back cover 203 to remain lock firmly in position on the rear face of support device 20 while allowing the user to easily and quickly remove the back cover 203 without any tools. Back cover 232 associated with the lateral cavity 231 also contains a similar spring-released hardware 2321 and bullet-catch 2322 that perform an identical function.

As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the entertaining fireplace further comprises a fire-proofing layer 50 provided between the supporting device 20 and the heating unit 10 to prevent the entertainment assembly 30 and the supporting device 20 catching fire. Preferably, the fire-proofing layer 50 is made of solid material having a high-melting point. The multimedia fireplace console further comprises a heat-proofing layer 60 provided between the supporting device 20 and the heating unit 10 to prevent the entertainment assembly 30 and the supporting device 20 being overheated. Preferably, the heat-proofing layer 60 is made of solid material having a low coefficient of heat conductivity.

It is worth mentioning that the fire-proofing layer 50 is preferably provided between the supporting device 20 and the heat proofing layer 60 for reducing the heat transmission from the air chamber 200 to the supporting device 20 to maintain a room temperature for the entertainment assembly 30.

FIG. 6 illustrates the entertainment assembly of the multimedia fireplace console according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention. Within this sound system 31 is a mother board 311 which contains all the circuitry and technology related to the Yamaha 3D Surround Sound Technology associated with this present invention. The remote control 13 is also able to communicate with this mother board 311 via the aforementioned wireless transmission methods. Through this remote control 13 is the user able to select the desired settings of the sound system 31. For example, the user can control the volume and the intensity of the sub woofer, select the audio selection from a movie or audio disk, or modify the audio equalization to their desired preference. It is worth mentioning that the sound system 31 includes capabilities for receiving FM radio signals through the sound system 31 and retaining a predetermined plurality if preset radio stations.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternate mode of operation for the multimedia fireplace console according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this alternate mode of operation, the heating unit 10 can be removed for when the weather is warming and a heating element is needed, such as the summertime. The power supply cord of the heating unit 10 can be unplugged from the multimedia fireplace console allowing the heating unit 10 to be removed via removing the back cover 203 via the spring-release hardware 2031 and the bullet-catch 2032. With this back cover 203 removed the heating unit 10 can easily be removed and the back cover 203 can be quickly and easily replaced. With the heating unit 10 removed this empties the air chamber 200 and allows it to be used a storage area 2001. Within this storage area 2001 a user can place objects such as books, additional multimedia devices, or sports or collectable memorabilia.

One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment of the present invention as shown in the drawings and described above is exemplary only and not intended to be limiting.

It will thus be seen that the objects of the present invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. The embodiments have been shown and described for the purposes of illustrating the functional and structural principles of the present invention and is subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A multimedia fireplace console, comprising; a heating unit; a supporting device defining an air chamber and a front for a user, wherein said heating unit is adapted to be provided within said air chamber to heat air inside said air chamber to obtain heated air; and an entertainment assembly, wherein said entertaining assembly is supported at a position by said supporting device, wherein said entertaining assembly comprises a sound system facing towards said front and defines a suitable position in front, wherein said suitable position is for said user to enjoy sounds produced by said entertaining assembly, wherein said supporting device has at least one air outlet communicated with said air chamber such that said heated air inside said air chamber is able to flow out of said air chamber through said air outlet.
 2. The multimedia fireplace console, as recited in claim 1, wherein said heating unit comprises a heating element and a fan, wherein said heating element is adapted for heating air inside said air chamber and said fan is adapted for blowing said heated air inside said air chamber out of said air chamber through said air outlet.
 3. The multimedia fireplace console, as recited in claim 2, wherein said multimedia fireplace console further comprises a fire-proofing layer provided between said supporting device and said heating assembly to prevent said entertainment assembly and said supporting device catching fire.
 4. The multimedia fireplace console, as recited in claim 3, wherein said fire-proofing layer is made of solid material having a high-melting point.
 5. The multimedia fireplace console, as recited in claim 4, wherein said multimedia fireplace console further comprises a heat-proofing layer provided between said supporting device and said heating assembly to prevent said entertainment assembly and said supporting device from being overheated.
 6. The multimedia fireplace console, as recited in claim 5, wherein said heat-proofing layer is made of solid material having a low coefficient of heat conductivity.
 7. The multimedia fireplace console, as recited in claim 6, wherein said heat-proofing layer is provided between said supporting device and said heat proofing layer for reducing heat transmission from said air chamber to said supporting device.
 8. The multimedia fireplace console, as recited in claim 7, wherein said supporting device further comprises at least one air inlet communicated with said air chamber such that when said fan blows said heated air out of said air chamber, air outside of said air chamber flows into said air chamber.
 9. The multimedia fireplace console, as recited in claim 8, wherein said supporting device comprises a top panel, at least two side panels, and a base, wherein said top panel has a top side and a bottom side, and each of said side panels is provided on said bottom side of said top panel to support said top panel at a position, wherein said supporting device supports said entertainment assembly on said top side of said top panel of said supporting device.
 10. The multimedia fireplace console, as recited in claim 9, wherein each of said side panels of said supporting device has an inner side, wherein said fire-proofing layer is provided on said bottom side of said top panel of said supporting device and said inner side of said side panel of supporting device. 